Commissioners implement countywide burn ban

Wednesday

May 16, 2007 at 12:01 AMMay 16, 2007 at 3:09 PM

By JESSICA GREENETHE LEADER

OCALA - The Marion County Board of Commissioners implemented a countywide burn ban last Saturday at the recommendation of the multi-agency Wildland Task Force. Despite the warning and spells of thick smoke in the air, some people are still burning. Since last Tuesday, more than 25 Marion County residents have been fined for ignoring the countywide warning.
Backyard burning is the leading cause of wildfires in Florida, said Heather Danenhower, public information officer for Marion County Fire-Rescue. Additionally, the many undeveloped areas characteristic of the State Road 200 corridor create several places that are more susceptible to wildfires, she said.
People caught burning before the ban is lifted will be fined. The first offense is $50 with a $130 fine for every subsequent offense.
"Some citizens who were fined have cussed at our firefighters and even threatened them," wrote Marion County Fire Marshal Paul Nevels in a press release.
The focus is on being consistent and safeguarding the community. Unless prohibited by community restrictions, corridor residents living in unincorporated Marion County can legally burn yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings and tree limbs. The burn must be contained in a non-combustible container or pile less than 8 feet in diameter.
The fact that people choose to ignore the ban and continue to burn is "alarming," said Danenhower.
Currently, there are more than 237 active wildfires burning 164,226 acres across the state. As of Monday, Marion County's drought index was approaching 600 on a scale of 0 to 800. The scale measures the burning capacity based on weather conditions. A rating above 500 indicates a dangerous level of wildfire susceptibility.
The ban will continue until after the fire danger subsides, said Danenhower.
"It could be weeks or it could be months," she said.
If you see an illegal fire, call 911, said Danenhower. For information about the ban or non-emergency situations, call 291-8000.
Contact Jessica Greene at 732-7159 or jessica.greene@ starbanner.com.